turning 24" f$&!@! logs into chunks

[evilpsych]

:x :icon_smil

Anyone got a easy way to do this? Just got started trying to turn my hickory/cherry/oak score into splits, and found that only 20% have flat bottoms for using a axe/maul to split them.

I think next time I get wood from this guy, going to suggest he cut the wood into 6" thick rounds that just require a sledge to break into chunks.. will even pay for a set of chains and extra gas..

 

[Bill-Chicago]

You got a Sawz-All?

Make them 12" with a flat bottom, then split

 

[Kevin]

I use a crooked stump to split on.
I am serious. The wood I cut aint perfectly straight either. Just spin it around untill it sits still.

 

[evilpsych]

well.. my thinking has been.. get them split into usable thicknesses, then cut into chunks with a miter saw. My miter saw wont take anything much over 3" thick.... I do own a sawzall.. what. just get a long ass wood blade.

 

[BBQchef33]

kevin aint kidding!!! i do the same thing.. a crooked stump and spin the angled cut on the log til lit stands up.

 

[evilpsych]

hrmm.. i wonder what i could make with a welder, 6 sawzalls, some piano hinges, and a v-shaped dishrack..

 

[boatnut]

u can borrow my hydraulic wood splitter

 

[FatDaddy]

i can fashion you one out of a watch crystal and a bubble gum wrapper.. seen it on mcgyver once.

 

[Hoorenga]

Are you just trying to split short logs like the typical firewood log? The cuts are rarely ever square or "flat". I never use a splitting platform partly because of this reason. I set em up where they lay and whack em with a maul. If a piece is angled on one or both ends I wedge it up against a couple of its brothers for support and whack it. Doesn't matter to me which end is up, flat or pointed, angled or sloped. Nothing avoids the reaper. I often attack a new pile of fire wood without setting anything up. I just jump on the pile and start swinging at anything that is halfway vertical. I even use a swing that I call my "golf swing" where I literally swing the maul like a golf club at pieces of wood in the pile that are horizontal but butted up against other pieces. I came up with another unique way of splitting wood a while back if you have a couple of willing participants to help. I have them set the logs on end about two feet apart all the way down the driveway. I then go into my windmill mode with a 6lb maul and start whacking away. By the time I reach one end of the driveway the next row has been laid behind me and is ready for mayhem. I'm getting a little old for it now but it sure is an impressive show of force. I hate setting each piece up on end on a block. Besides loosing some of your swing power to the shorter stroke, it takes a lot of extra time. Chopping blocks are great for making kindling.

 

[kickassbbq]

I have my 5 year old grandson hold them straight for me while I slam them with the long ax!!!!!
Smoke On!!!!!
ed

 

[The_Kapn]

I have my 5 year old grandson hold them straight for me while I slam them with the long ax!!!!!
Smoke On!!!!!
ed

I actually believe you.

TIM

 

[tommykendall]

It's a bitch. I've had really long and really crooked splits in the past that will not stand straight for chit. The Sawz-All worked 'ok' but was still a pain. I got better results with a Sears Craftsman Bow Saw, but that's another pain - upper back pain mod.

 

[thillin]

Go get an electric chainsaw. I use one just for odd logs with nots that are hard to split. Not much noise, so I can use it at all hours.

 

[Bill-Chicago]

I'd hire someone

 

[kcquer]

I'd hire someone

]

Unless you're a lot better lumberjack than you are a plumber, that's probably a very good idea:wink: :mrgreen:

 

[jgh1204]

:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

 

[parrothead]

I just use the splitter. Done in no time mod.

 

[evilpsych]

i would use a splitter, but i don't have $500 layin around to go get one.

i actually like the elec. chainsaw idea, might give that a try. Also the sawzall method sounds good too.. milwuakee has a pretty decent looking 'AX' blade that's 12"..

Hoorenga: Hit your toes often splitting wood that way?? :BLOODY STUMP MOD:

oh, i've chopped my fair share of trees down for Stack, but there's gotta be a easier way on these smaller pieces.. Gig 'em

 

[kcquer]

i would use a splitter, but i don't have $500 layin around to go get one.

Can you rent one for a day to get thru your woodpile?

 

[evilpsych]

yeah, but the rental place wants $200 for the day.. fark that. I just went out this afternoon and spent a while getting into the swing of splitting what was splittable.. and chopped them into 6" chunks w/ the miter saw once they fit under the blade. Should be seasoned relatively quicker (what do you guys think.. 3 months instead of a year??).. also did some puttering in the yard, mulched up a bunch of last fall's leaves and put them under some trees and soaked em good.. been having weed problems under there, the leaves should help out with that w/ the acidity.

Pulled my ancient montgomery ward 5hp front tine tiller outta the garage at my office and warmed it up.. it's got a bearing issue with the pull start that starts to whine and locks up after awhile and requires a restart.. going to get it fixed later this week before i till up a bigger garden down the street.